Despite being strongly linked with a move to the Barclays Premier League, specifically Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, Guardiola has instead decided to join the German giants when he ends his sabbatical at the end of the season.

Ferguson is believed to have spoken to Guardiola on a couple of occasions in New York recently, with his own job said to be one of the issues under discussion.

However, within 24 hours of the release of an interview with the Football Association underlining his wish to work in England, news that the former Barcelona coach had signed a three-year contract with Bayern was confirmed.

'I am surprised because I didn't see it coming,' said Ferguson.

'All the time the speculation was about clubs in England.'

Yet the United boss can also see the sense in Guardiola's decision.

Bogey man: Guardiola has beaten Manchester United in two Champions League finals including in 2011 at Wembley

For someone used to stability at the Nou Camp, life in Munich is a much neater fit than the constant upheaval at Chelsea in particular.

Great expectations: Guardiola will be tasked with winning Munich's first Champions League since 2001

'But if you assess it as a coach, Bayern Munich is hard to turn down because they are one of the best run clubs in Europe,' Ferguson added.

'They have a fantastic city, a fantastic stadium, good players and good history.

'The place is loaded with players who made the club's history.

'You have Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Uli Hoeness, Gerd Muller and, I think, Sepp Maier. And I'm not sure what role Franz Beckenbauer has now either.